Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category

Hey everyone, I’m Josh60502. Not an official writer for DK News and Reviews, more like an occasional “guest reviewer”. I write for the blog Frayed Wire (I used to be from The Serious Nerd, but one look at that site will tell you that I’ve moved on). Kevin gave me a position on this site a long time ago, but now I’d like to finally put it to good use with my review of Metal Slug Anthology for the Nintendo Wii. Seeing as the original Metal Slug appeared on the Virtual Console last Monday, I think now would be a good time for such a review.

The Metal Slug games are quite simply, in my opinion, some of the best arcade games ever created. The gameplay is simple but difficult, creating that “one-more-go” feeling inside its players, the music is memorable, and the sprite work is some of the best ever seen in a video game. Now you can find seven of these excellent games collected into one amazing package – Metal Slug Anthology. It was a launch title on the Wii, so by the now its price has lowered considerably.

The game boasts arcade-perfect ports of Metal Slug 1, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4, Metal Slug 5, and Metal Slug 6. While each game may be very similar gameplay-wise, they do have fun and memorable differences. I fondly remember gunning my way through the first level of MS1 in the titular Metal Slug tank, riding a Machine Gun Camel in both MS2 and MSX, and burping up some strange fiery substance as a zombie in MS3, as well as others. Sound weird? Yeah, it kind of is. But that’s Metal Slug for you. The fun gameplay puts a humorous spin on a rather serious Hitler-esque plot.

Building on the “run-and-gun” genre of gaming introduced by Contra, Metal Slug allowed players to use melee attacks on enemies close by, throw grenades, save hostages, and ride in a variety of vehicles ranging from semi-realistic (planes, submarines), to crazy fake (flying tanks, elephants with machine guns). The result is an extremely fun formula that boasts plenty of crazy, non-stop action. It’s also considerably difficult, but an infinite continue option in every game will make sure that you get to experience each masterfully-designed level.

Co-op has always been a big part of the Metal Slug series, a fact that shines through in this game. A second player can easily hop in at any time, and leave once they’ve run out of lives if they so choose. While co-op does make the game easier, it’s still no walk in the park. However, the games are much more fun with a friend, so I’d recommend that you have an extra controller handy when buying this.

Being on the Wii, controls are probably one of the main hooks (or concerns) for those interested in buying the game. Luckily, the game supports a large variety of control schemes, from the good (sideways wiimote, Gamecube controller and wiimote with nunchuck), to the terrible (hold the wiimote like an arcade joystick, tilt controls). Despite some obvious stinkers, I’d say the good outweigh the bad in this case.

Since the game is a contemplation, it’s pretty much required by law to have extra content. Metal Slug Anthology delivers a satisfactory amount of unlockable concept art and music, as well as an interview with the production crew. There’s nothing above and beyond here, but seeing as the actual games themselves are so good, it’s not too much of a disappointment. I found myself replaying the games not for the unlockables, but for the sheer fun factor. I suppose you could think of that two different ways – the unlockables suck, or the games are just abnormally fun. I’m siding with the second choice.

In the end, I have to say that this was the best Wii launch game, second only to Twilight Princess. It certainly remains to this day one of the better multiplayer games on the Wii. If you’re considering a download of the original Metal Slug from the Virtual Console, keep in mind that that is nine dollars for one game, but the Anthology is about $30 for seven games. Obviously, I’d try to find the Anthology since it’s such a great value, but if you really want to, buying only Metal Slug 1 for nine dollars really isn’t that bad of a deal either. Keep in mind, they sold only Metal Slug 3 on the Xbox for $40 back in the day, so nine dollars is nothing to make you feel ripped off.

I give Metal Slug Anthology a 9 out of 10, or as it’s done at DK News and Reviews, one big smiley faced Mii.

A trip will be made, to my local Wal-Mart, in the course of this trip on of the most highly anticipated Wii games will be bought. This game I speak of is none other than Smash Bros Brawl. Don’t expect a review to come out tomorrow, but do expect that Danny and I have some good plans for this one.